Viral — Mosquito-Borne
About Chikungunya
Chikungunya virus is spread by the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — the same species that carry dengue. The name comes from a Kimakonde word meaning “to become contorted”, describing the stooped posture caused by joint pain. It reached the Caribbean in late 2013.
Illness usually starts 4–8 days after the bite. Most people feel better within a week, though joint pain can last for months. Newborns, people over 65 and those with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are most vulnerable.
Symptoms
- Fever and joint pain
- Headache and muscle pain
- Joint swelling
- Rash
Test Options
- Chik V — direct detection of chikungunya
- Dengue/Chik V* — detects and differentiates dengue and chikungunya
*The Dengue/Chik V test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Caribbean Genetics. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration or local regulations.